Mazda2 rebooted

Mazda has used a switch to a cheaper production source to introduce a better-value version of its 2 city car.

Mazda2 rebooted

08 May 2010JEZ SPINKS

The Japanese brand has taken advantage of a zero import tariff enabled by a free-trade agreement to lower prices by up to $505. It will also fit stability control as standard across the range, now built in Thailand rather than Japan. Side and curtain airbags, however, remain optional on the best-selling Neo base model.

Mazda argues that the $400 cost of the side and curtain airbags is only as expensive as the metallic paint that's optional on rival cars but standard on the Mazda2.

Entry to the revised Mazda2 range is $470 more expensive after the deletion of the three-door variant, though prices have been reduced for the five-door models, which accounted for the majority of sales.

Mazda claims the value of the base Neo, mid-spec Maxx and range-topping Genki have all improved by just over $1000, though in money terms the savings are $505 (to $16,500 plus on-road and dealer costs), $25 (to $19,090) and $355 (to $20,940) respectively.

A sedan variant of the Mazda2 Maxx also costs $19,990 (plus costs) and introduces a Mazda four-door to the segment for the first time in 13 years.

The introduction of stability control across the Mazda2 range, as well as side and curtain airbags for the mid-range Maxx, are the key feature additions. Equipment grades remain unchanged, though there are new seat trims.

Minor tweaks to the 2's exterior include the family face that brings the car's front-end design in line with other models in the company's line-up.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine carries over with a minor tweak. Power remains at 76kW and torque drops by 2Nm to 135Nm, though Mazda claims torque delivery is more consistent across the rev range.

Fuel consumption is unchanged at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the five-speed manual and 6.8L/100km for the optional ($1650) auto.

Mazda says the sedan is likely to account for 20 per cent of Mazda2 sales, which are currently running at about 1100 a month.

It also says it expects the revised model to boost sales to about 1250 a month, contributing to the company's forecasted 2010 total sales figure of 80,000, which would be a new record for the brand.

Mazda has sold more than 36,000 Mazda2s since the second-generation model went on sale in 2007.